Stash Crisis Averted!

After a bit of time away from the loom, it’s back to another “freeform” or “random” woven shibori scarf. This is nearing the end of the warp in the previous post (advancing twill threading, freeform tie-up). As I did not keep notes on treadling and number of rows of plain weave in scarf #4, this one will be somewhat similar but not identical. Of course, the gathering, tying, and indigo dye all play parts in the outcome, too.

My new stash of 16/2 Bockens cotton!

Earlier this week I was starting to consider the next warp, whether to stay with this threading and tie-up, make it the same width or perhaps a couple inches wider, length of warp (probably 14 yards or so), or change to a new weave structure. I looked and found I had 2.5 tubes of this cotton left. I needed to order more thread right away, 2.5 tubes would not be enough to make another warp and weave it off. I called Glimakra USA to discover they were all out of 16/2 bleached. Crisis! I ordered 12 tubes of unbleached, then I sent an email to VavStuga inquiring if they had any 16/2 bleached on hand. A reply told me they had 16 tubes of 16/2 bleached left, did I want them? Yes! Both packages are here now, and just for fun I did a little calculating,… if my math is correct, there are approximately 87,264 yards here! That should be enough to keep me busy for awhile. Oh yes, I also have several cones of bleached and unbleached 20/2 cotton waiting, too.The next post should have another indigo dyed scarf, possibly a sample or two, depending on how much warp is left, and the new warp should be made and on the loom. I’m also just starting on making wool socks again. Yes, I know I said I wasn’t going to, but after getting four or five orders, and a small autumn show coming up (and cold winter weather will be here before long), I decided to have some socks done, too, in addition to theweaving. Meanwhile, the WI north woods wildlife continues to keep me entertained and busy.﻿

Young porcupine in my yard.

The porcupine family continues to visit, and on this day it was the young one, now growing up. Here she is peering at me between the back of the empty salt lick and a red pine. (They are trying to chew their way through the wood.) Such a sweet face!

Little porcupine’s dangerous side!

As I was trying to take the photos, she kept her back to me, quills raised and gave a little jump and flick of the tail to keep me away. It worked!

Eagle in tree, beaver trap on its foot tangled on a branch.

Yes, this is the same eagle as in the last post, a bit better photo (taken by someone on the scene, thank you!). Traps can catch unintended victims.

As I wrote, the eagle came down, went into the lake, was caught by Mark, and in this photo, I am folding a wing (it was busy flapping and wanting to escape) so I can get around and hold it’s legs while Mark removed the trap. This is the only photo of me, in twelve years or so, during a rescue, as I’m usually alone. Notice the welder’s gloves, which only offer partial protection from beak and talons. Update: this eagle is alive, doing well so far, foot wrapped, but they are uncertain about whether or not the toe that was in the trap will need to be amputated. I think I may have written back in May or June about an eagle rescue, an eagle that did NOT want to be caught. It had an injury, was starved, and had severe lead poisoning. It also had a lot of attitude! I am happy to report, he was released this past Wednesday afternoon, photos are below. Happily, I was invited to be present for his release back into the wild!

Mark has transferred the eagle to the young woman doing the release. He still looks grumpy!

Motion shot, at the beginning of “the toss,” 1-2-3-GO!

He made straight for an “eagle tree,” dark pine in center.

Wouldn’t you know, he made straight for a tree that already had an eagle pair, nest, and very possibly young. You should have heard the squawking that went on for a long time!Now, decisions to make on that next warp and calculations to do. I have a smaller warping mill here to try out, on loan from a friend, and I need to return it to her.

Hi Hilary,… aren't the eagles something? I enjoy going out to catch them, though there are risks, so far I've avoided injury. At least I can get them to where they'll be safe and if at all possible, treated, taken well care of, and released. I know a lot of weavers like to get their materials as inexpensive as possible. The weaving I do is often time intensive and I prefer using good quality threads given the amount of time I have in them, and people who buy them appreciate the nice quality.I buy the 16/2 Bockens cotton from Joanne Hall at Glimakra USA and from VavStuga. The 16/2 unbleached from Glimakra USA was $17.00/tube, the 16/2 bleached from VavStuga was $17.38/tube, plus shipping (from both). If you check VavStuga's website they have a nice chart for each size thread giving yards/pound, also yards/tube. It's a nice quality thread, even before washing the hand and drape, coming off the loom, was so nice. They finished beautifully.

Glennis, more dyeing soon, and a new warp to weave off and dye. I'm having a wonderful time with this, love the unknown, not knowing what the piece will look like until the threads are removed, and it's opened up, and properly finished. It's magic, every time!

Where to Find My Weaving

MY APOLOGIES to anyone planning to visit on my studio on Sept. 2-3, I had to cancel the open studio. The Oct. 14 & 15 dates are FIRM! Shuttle Works Studio will be open for visitors, demonstrations, and opportunities to try weaving.

Open Studio days provide an opportunity to stop in and visit Shuttle Works Studio, see various Swedish looms, spinning wheels, and a 1908 Gearhart Circular Sock Knitting Machine, as well as demonstrations of weaving, spinning, and sock cranking.

http://shuttleworksstudio.com

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Sat., Oct. 7, 9 AM – 4 PM, during CranberryFest, several members of Lake Country Weavers/Fiber Arts Guild will be at UCC Church in Eagle River. Mary Jackl of What-a-View Farm will have her rag rugs, handspun yarns, and felting there. I will have weaving and hopefully CSM wool socks for sale, and be demonstrating on the sock machine. Hope to see you there!

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I will be demonstrating the sock machine at Eagle River Gallery in Eagle River, WI, on Friday, Oct. 6, and Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, outdoors if weather is nice, indoors if inclement weather.

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To visit Shuttle Works Studio outside of Open Studio dates, please call ahead and arrange a day and time. (715) 337-0453.